Nick Saban no longer CFB’s highest paid coach, and it’s not even close

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Jim Harbaugh has performed miracles as the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, transforming the program from the depths of the Rich Rodriguez and Brady Hoke eras into what appears to be a legitimate National Championship contender in less than two seasons. With that in mind, it comes as no surprise that Harbaugh is handsomely compensated for his efforts in Ann Arbor. What we did not know, though, is just how well he is being paid.

Each year, the good folks at USA Today request “all forms of compensation” for each FBS head coach and this year’s list is now available. While Alabama’s Nick Saban topped last year’s list by a fairly comfortable margin, the reigning National Champion is now dwarfed by Harbaugh.

Michigan’s head man is set to make $9,004,000 (!!) for the 2016 season, while Saban lands just under $7 million at $6,939,395 for his work in Tuscaloosa. This is a staggering difference based on Saban’s pedigree, though it should be noted that Harbaugh recently signed a restructured deal that turned the country on its ear.

Ohio State’s Urban Meyer, Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops and Florida State’s Jimbo Fisher round out the top five but, in truth, it appears to be a two-horse race at the top between Saban and Harbaugh. For 2016, though, the gap is very wide and it seems safe to assume that Saban’s representation will be bringing that up with his bosses in the near future.